My Nonprofit Reviews

Veterans Legal Institute is an exemplary charity for several reasons. They started with a clear vision shared by two actual Veterans. They understand how difficult it can be for vets to navigate the bureaucracy of the Veterans Administration to secure the benefits they earned and need when they're in crisis. And during times of great need, these founders also understand that a proud veteran may be reluctant aggressively ask for help.

So instead of simply offering blanket legal support, Vets Legal has the credibility to genuinely relate to veterans and enlisted personnel in need from a place of respect, destigmatizing vets who find themselves at risk. From inception, as sophisticated business and legal professionals, they were able to intelligently plan programs, identify weaknesses in the current system, and enlist assistance from some of the finest legal minds available to connect at risk clients with immediate solutions. All of this serves to facilitate life changing relief through direct client assistance, fueled by community and government relationships.

And not many charities have the capacity or resources to dedicate to grant application processes, necessary to secure private and institutional capital. Vets Legal does and chooses to commit copious hours of precious time to these very specific, challenging activities, knowing that every single dollar acquired will immediately positively impact the life of someone who had committed their very life to all of us.

The vast majority of staff is volunteer. All the critical legal support is pro bono and nearly 94% of all dollars in go toward program expenses.

As widow of a Marine who was an avid supporter of Vets Legal, I am delighted to now serve on their board and contribute in any way I can to further the support we provide to at risk veterans and their families.